Koh Samui (occasionally spelled Ko Samui) is an island of natural beauty and charm, a place where you can have your holiday anyway you like it, kicked back and relaxed or active and fastpaced. Beautiful white sand beaches, clean, clear warm water; lush tropical gardens and gentle ocean breezes await you at this ideal holiday destination. If you love the beach, this is the place for you!

Koh Samui weather is almost always beautiful. Blue sky days and a nice ocean breeze are the norm. For the purists, late December to the end of March is the ideal tropical island weather experience.

Some like it hot! If so, April to June is the time to really bake. Some like it wet! Try mid-October to early December

BIG BUDDHA

Big Buddha temple sits majestically on a small rocky island off Koh Samuiís north-eastern corner. Known locally as Wat Phra Yai, its golden, 12-metre seated Buddha statue was built in 1972 and remains one of the islandís most popular attractions.

Set on Koh Faan, Big Buddha temple is reached by a causeway that connects it to the main island. The Big Buddha can be seen at a distance of several kilometres and is often the first landmark people see when arriving to Samui by air.

GRAND MOTHER & GRAND FATHER ROCKS

Hin Ta and Hin Yai, some fascinating rock formations on Koh Samuiís south coast, have been a source of mirth and wonder on the island since they were discovered by the locals many years ago.

Art often imitates Nature, but less common is Nature imitating Art, especially the Art of the Ribald. But in Thailand anything is possible and these rocks, known as Grandpa (Ta) and Grandma (Yai), look, respectively, like male and female genitalia.

ANG THONG NATIONAL MARINE PARK

Ang Thong National Marine Park is a pristine archipelago of 42 islands in the Gulf of Thailand with towering limestone mountains, thick jungle, white-sand beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls and hidden coves and lakes to explore.
Within sight of Koh Samui, Ang Thong park is a protected area of more than 100 square kilometres of land and sea, and home to a rich variety of exotic wildlife and sea creatures. Snorkelling, hiking, sea kayaking, diving, sailing and simply relaxing on one of its idyllic beaches are the main activities to enjoy on Ang Thong.

NA MUANG WATERFALLS

Na Muang Waterfalls, a majestic set of two cascades on Koh Samui, show that the islandís beauty is not limited to its beaches. Found inland about 12 kilometres south-east of Nathon Bay, the Na Muang falls are reached by taking a walking path from the entrance to the park.
The first waterfall, Na Muang 1, flows down into a pretty natural pool that provides a cool escape from the heat. About 30 minutes by foot further uphill is the smaller yet equally inviting Na Muang 2.

MUMMIFIED MONK - WAT KHUNARAM

Koh Samui's Mummified Monk at Wat Khunaram is an unusual sight yet it offers a unique insight into Buddhist and Thai culture. The monk Luong Pordaeng died in 1973 in a seated meditative position, and ever since his body has been on display in an upright glass case at the temple.

Remarkably, even more than 30 years on the monkís body shows little sign of decay. For some visitors, having a dead man in full view might be a shocking sight, but for Thais it is something to reflect upon and revere.